That famous line was uttered by Darth Vader in Star Wars (Episode IV: A New Hope), as the Death Star was about to blow up the planet Yavin IV, where the Rebels were hiding. And he was right, it was a day to remember... For the rebels. The rebels actually found out the Death Star's weakness in the Death Star plans stored in R2-D2, and they flew their X-Wing fighters into the Death Star's trench run, and one of the Rebels pilots, Luke Skywalker, fired hsi proton torpedo into the thermal exhaust port, and blew up the Death Star!
And today, that line can't be more appropriate.
For it was announced today by Walt Disney Studios and Lucasfilm that J.J. Abrams and his crew had finally assembled their cast for the next chapter in the Star Wars saga!
StarWars.com (the ONLY credible website for Star Wars Episode VII news) put out a statement today that went something like this:
The Star Wars team is thrilled to announce the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII.
Actors John Boyega, Daisy Ridley, Adam Driver, Oscar Isaac, Andy Serkis, Domhnall Gleeson, and Max von Sydow will join the original stars of the saga, Harrison Ford, Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, Anthony Daniels, Peter Mayhew, and Kenny Baker in the new film.
Director J.J. Abrams says, "We are so excited to finally share the cast of Star Wars: Episode VII. It is both thrilling and surreal to watch the beloved original cast and these brilliant new performers come together to bring this world to life, once again. We start shooting in a couple of weeks, and everyone is doing their best to make the fans proud."
Star Wars: Episode VII is being directed by J.J. Abrams from a screenplay by Lawrence Kasdan and Abrams. Kathleen Kennedy, J.J. Abrams, and Bryan Burk are producing, and John Williams returns as the composer. The movie opens worldwide on December 18, 2015.
This is a great looking cast! The most interesting cast member, in my eyes, is Andy Serkis.
Andy Serkis is a famous motion capture actor, and brought so many iconic roles to life such as King Kong, Ceaser in Rise of the Planet of the Apes, and his most famous role Gollum in Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
What makes this casting choice interesting for me is that Andy Serkis has always acted using motion capture from Peter Jackson' WETA Studios. But the special effects in Star Wars Episode VII will be done by George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic. It will be interesting to see Andy Serkis break out of his comfort zone.
And even though he's a great actor, he was never nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for any of his roles. Including Gollum. Maybe Star Wars Episode VII will be the role that gives Andy Serkis his precious (Oscar)!
This is also great buzz for Andy Serkis' upcoming Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. Although, it will be nearly impossible for Andy Serkis to avoid Star Wars questions while promoting that film.
What I love about this cast list is that 90% of them are unknowns. Just like Mark Hamill, Harrison Ford, and Carrie Fisher were back in 1977.
Part of the magic of the Original Star Wars was that the main actors, with the exception of Alec Guiness, were unknowns. And thus, it made it easier for audiences to focus on the characters instead of the actors. Nobody saw Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher, and Harrison Ford. They saw Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, and Han Solo.
Oh, and speaking of the old cast, they're in it as well! Mark Hamill (Luke Skywalker), Carrie Fisher (Princess Leia), Harrison Ford (Han Solo), Kenny Baker (R2-D2), Anthony Daniels (C-3PO), and Peter Mayheww (Chewbacca) are all returning to their famous roles from the beloved Saga.
And I can't be more thrilled!
When I first heard that there was going to be a new Star Wars trilogy, one of the things I was most concerned about was whether or not the old cast can come back. Many fans were split on the issue. Some felt they should stay out of the new films altogether, and pass the torch to a new generation. While others felt they should finish what they started. I fell in the latter.
For decades, whenever he spoke about Episodes VII-IX, George Lucas always mentioned that Luke, Han, and Leia would play big roles in them, with their kids starring. And it only makes sense that they stay true to the Maker's original vision.
And plus, I'm excited to see Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher making a big screen comeback!
I actually met Mark Hamill and Carrie Fisher in August 2012 at Star Wars Celebration VI in Orlando, Florida. They were two of the coolest people ever! And it was one of the highlights of my life!
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| From left to right: My Mom, Mark Hamill, and me |
I also met Peter Mayheww not once, but twice in the past. Once at Star Wars Celebration IV in 2007, and again at Wondercon in 2013. He's an awesome guy. And I'm happy that he's feeling better from his knee surgery.
The only part about this news that makes me unhappy is that, well, I'm not in the cast.
But that's more of a personal problem than a real problem. And besides, I can always be an extra! (I hope you're reading this, JJ Abrams! I can play a killer wookie!)
So, we've got the old cast returning, with a new cast of very talented actors, with a great director in charge! This could be the most anticipated film since... well.... the last Star Wars film, Episode III: Revenge of the Sith!
December 2015 can't come here fast enough!
What are your thoughts on this casting news? Love it? Hate it? Could care less? Let me know in the comments below!
May the Force be with you! :)
